Police admit using AI to sharpen photo of stolen guitar
Thursday 17 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Police have acknowledged using artificial intelligence to enhance an image of a recovered stolen guitar. The photograph, posted to a North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police Facebook page, caused confusion regarding the instrument's actual value.
Key facts
4 facts
- A stolen guitar was recovered after a matching serial number was found on TradeMe in May
- The stolen instrument is a Fender Jazz American Bass
- The Facebook post was made by North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police
- Police policy requires labelling AI-generated content to preserve audience trust
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Police have admitted that a staff member used artificial intelligence to sharpen a photograph of a recovered stolen guitar. The image was originally posted to the North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police Facebook page on Wednesday. The post was subsequently removed after questions were raised.
The photograph showed an officer and three music store workers holding a guitar that had been stolen more than three years ago. While the post claimed the instrument was a Fender electric worth $4299, the AI-enhanced image appeared to show a Squier J Bass, which has a much lower retail value. The manager of the Takapuna music store stated the actual instrument was a Fender Jazz American Bass.
The store manager was told by police that AI was used because the bass looked "too blurry". This process resulted in the AI adding a Squier logo to the image.
The use of the tool contradicts police processes regarding generative AI. According to official policy, staff must label AI-generated outputs and the name of the tool used, unless there is an operational reason to withhold that information.
Compiled from reports by 1News and Otago Daily Times.